Dapsone-induced erythroderma with Beau's lines

A 35-year-old female with borderline lepromatous (BL) leprosy who suffered from dapsone-induced erythroderma is reported. Sudden onset of erythroderma gave rise to a temporary arrest of the function of nail matrix with the resultant Beau's lines. She rapidly recovered with omission of dapsone and therapy with systemic corticosteroids and a topical emollient. In view of the potentially fatal hypersensitivity reaction, we suggest that any patient on multidrug therapy for leprosy needs an urgent referral to a dermatologist if the patient develops a skin rash during the first two months of treatment.